Alcatel's last year Windows 10 smartphone is now available for a price that could convince many consumers to give the Idol 4S a chance. Introduced in the United States for around $400 outright, the Alcatel Idol 4S with Windows 10 is now available for purchase on Amazon for $225.

The last time Alcatel cut the price of the Idol 4S allowed customers to purchase it for as low as $272. After T-Mobile completely dropped the Windows 10 handset, Amazon continued to sell the unlocked version of Idol 4S.

Specs-wise, Alcatel's smartphone is a great device since it comes ...]]>NewsWed, 16 Aug 2017 22:04:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Deal-Alcatel-Idol-4S-with-Windows-10-drops-to-225-on-Amazon_id97105/commentsCosmin V.Internal Microsoft memo blasts Consumer Reports' Surface complaintshttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Internal-Microsoft-memo-blasts-Consumer-Reports-Surface-complaints_id97026Recently, a survey of 91,000 laptap and tablet buyers put together by Consumer Reports, found that 25% of Microsoft's Surface devices have problems by the second year of ownership. As a result, the magazine.pulled its recommendation of Microsoft's Surface tablets because of poor reliability. Among the devices losing their recommended status are the Surface Pro tablet and the Surface Book. Consumer Reports now says that it can not recommend any other Microsoft built tablet because of "poor predicted reliability." Some of the issues that Surface tablet users have complained about include unresponsive ...]]>NewsMon, 14 Aug 2017 22:29:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Internal-Microsoft-memo-blasts-Consumer-Reports-Surface-complaints_id97026/commentsAlan F.Save up to $159 on the Surface Pro Essentials Bundle from Microsofthttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Save-up-to-159-on-the-Surface-Pro-Essentials-Bundle-from-Microsoft_id96976While no one would confuse the Surface Pro tablet with a low priced bargain slate, every now and then Microsoft will take a few bucks off the price of the device in order to make it a little more affordable for those eager to own one. Another trick is to look for discounted bundle deals that are available from Microsoft. For example, you can now save $159 by purchasing a Surface Pro Essentials Bundle.

With the Surface Pro Essentials Bundle, you get a Surface Pro tablet, choice of Type Cover, a Surface Sleeve, two-year warranty and one year of Office 365. Overall, we can break this ...]]>NewsSat, 12 Aug 2017 22:03:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Save-up-to-159-on-the-Surface-Pro-Essentials-Bundle-from-Microsoft_id96976/commentsAlan F.Microsoft patent application shows metallic Surface Phone body doubling as the antennahttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-patent-application-shows-metallic-Surface-Phone-body-doubling-as-the-antenna_id96969Since the beginning of the year, we have seen a few Microsoft patent applications that were said to feature the mythical Surface Phone. The latest such patent application was published on Thursday, even though it had been filed with the USPTO back in February 2016. The patent, entitled "Cover of Device Acting as Antenna of the Device" shows a metallic built handset. As the title of the patent suggests, the metallic cover doubles as the antenna.

Because the handset would apparently swing around a hinge positioned in the center of the device, users would not cause interference or the "detuning" ...]]>NewsFri, 11 Aug 2017 22:27:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-patent-application-shows-metallic-Surface-Phone-body-doubling-as-the-antenna_id96969/commentsAlan F.40+ Awesome high-resolution wallpapers, perfect for your Galaxy S8/S7 edge, Pixel XL, LG G6, HTC U11, XZ Premium and othershttps://www.phonearena.com/news/40-Awesome-high-resolution-wallpapers-perfect-for-your-Galaxy-S8S7-edge-Pixel-XL-LG-G6-HTC-U11-XZ-Premium-and-others_id96870

It's that time of the week again, folks! "Which time," you may ask, and let me tell you – it's the time of the week when we post our regular pick of awesome, high-def wallpapers! If you've been following our various columns on customization, then you should know by now that we like giving our home screens a fresh coat of paint every now and again. And by "every now and again", we mean almost every week! This means doing a wallpaper rotation at the very least, and/or applying a custom set of icons in the case of Android users to really freshen things up.

However, ...]]>NewsWed, 09 Aug 2017 08:21:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/40-Awesome-high-resolution-wallpapers-perfect-for-your-Galaxy-S8S7-edge-Pixel-XL-LG-G6-HTC-U11-XZ-Premium-and-others_id96870/commentsMilen Y.Update to Windows Maps allows users to change vocal volume controlhttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Update-to-Windows-Maps-allows-users-to-change-vocal-volume-control_id96847This past June, Microsoft disseminated an update to Windows Map. Released for the fast ring, a more stable version is now ready to take over the voice control for the app. Users will get to use new features and change the intensity of vocals used with the app. Thanks to the update, those using Windows Maps can now choose between a softer, normal or louder sounding voice when using the turn-by-turn directions. In addition, with the update, users can access their Bluetooth settings directly from the app's settings menu.

A toggle switch will allow you to enable or disable ...]]>NewsTue, 08 Aug 2017 11:03:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Update-to-Windows-Maps-allows-users-to-change-vocal-volume-control_id96847/commentsAlan F.Smartphone era leads to more depressed teens and suicideshttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Smartphone-era-leads-to-more-depressed-teens-and-suicides_id96775It is hard to say exactly when the smartphone era began. Some will point to January 9th, 2007 when Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the first version of the Apple iPhone. Keep in mind that smartphones had been available well before the unveiling of Apple's iconic handset. Some will say that the start of the smartphone era took place on July 10th, 2008 with the launch of the Apple App Store. The App Store really opened up these devices that users were purchasing, and helped give consumers a focus on what they wanted their phones to do.

The Alcatel Idol 4 Pro saga is not yet over, at least not in the UK where the Windows 10 smartphone should have been already available for purchase.

Although Microsoft and Alcatel promised to bring the device in the UK in the last week of July, the Idol 4 Pro's market release was postponed by two weeks.

Well, it looks like the day of August 7 is about to end and Alcatel Idol 4 Pro isn't yet available for purchase in the UK. In fact, Microsoft delayed the release of the smartphone once again, so those who still want the Windows 10 handset will have to wait ...]]>NewsSun, 06 Aug 2017 17:01:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Alcatel-Idol-4-Pro-with-Windows-10-gets-delayed-once-again_id96771/commentsCosmin V.Microsoft Band 2 owners experiencing syncing issues with the activity tracker's mobile apphttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-Band-2-owners-experiencing-syncing-issues-with-the-activity-trackers-mobile-app_id96765Microsoft Band 2 owners are experiencing problems with the device's mobile app that is used to sync the activity tracker with iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Windows 10 devices. The problem is preventing Microsoft Band 2 users from seeing the fitness data that accumulated on their Band 2 device from appearing on their smartphone via the app. When the user tries to call up this data, he/she will see a network connectivity error. This could indicate that the problem is due to a Microsoft server-side error.

A report published out of Germany states that Microsoft is aware of the problems affecting ...]]>NewsSat, 05 Aug 2017 21:51:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-Band-2-owners-experiencing-syncing-issues-with-the-activity-trackers-mobile-app_id96765/commentsAlan F.Go back to school spending $80 less on a select version of the Microsoft Surface Prohttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Go-back-to-school-spending-80-less-on-a-select-version-of-the-Microsoft-Surface-Pro_id96759It's early August and for those who have another year of institutionalized learning staring them in the face, the carefree days of summer are almost all behind them. This is the time of the year for those going back to school to run through a check list to make sure that they have everything they need to help them succeed during the the 2017-2018 academic year. One of those helpful tools would be a high-end tablet. Sure enough, Microsoft is now offering $80 (or 10%) off the price of a selected Microsoft Surface Pro.

The model on sale carries an Intel Core m3 processor with a 128GB Solid ...]]>NewsSat, 05 Aug 2017 14:52:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Go-back-to-school-spending-80-less-on-a-select-version-of-the-Microsoft-Surface-Pro_id96759/commentsAlan F.HoloLens founder and Windows Insider chief say smartglasses will replace smartphoneshttps://www.phonearena.com/news/HoloLens-founder-and-Windows-Insider-chief-say-smartglasses-will-replace-smartphones_id96751Back in June, former Wall Street analyst Gene Munster said that the AR powered Apple Glasses, expected to be launched in 2020, will be bigger than the Apple iPhone. And that analysis is similar to forecasts made by HoloLens creator Alex Kipman, and Windows Insider Chief Dona Sarkar. Both agree with Munster that AR smartglasses could soon surpass smartphones as our main go-to technology.

Kipman, who created HoloLens, says that the smartphone is already dead and that people just don't know it yet. The HoloLens uses a combination of real and virtual worlds to form Mixed Reality. The real ...]]>NewsFri, 04 Aug 2017 22:46:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/HoloLens-founder-and-Windows-Insider-chief-say-smartglasses-will-replace-smartphones_id96751/commentsAlan F.Microsoft's latest SEC filing confirms that it has given up on mobile and is focusing on AIhttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsofts-latest-SEC-filing-confirms-that-it-has-given-up-on-mobile-and-is-focusing-on-AI_id96653So what was the moment when Microsoft's hoped for success in mobile turned? Was it when Steve Jobs walked out on stage with the Apple iPhone on January 9th, 2007? After all, during the presentation, Apple's co-founder and CEO managed to get some jabs in on certain smartphones powered by Windows Mobile such as the Samsung BlackJack and the Motorola "Q." And that was only the beginning.

Microsoft's comments posted in the company's latest SEC filings indicate that mobile is no longer an important part of the software giant's outlook. Previously, the strategic vision for Microsoft listed on ...]]>NewsWed, 02 Aug 2017 20:38:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsofts-latest-SEC-filing-confirms-that-it-has-given-up-on-mobile-and-is-focusing-on-AI_id96653/commentsAlan F.T-Mobile killing its Windows Phone app effective August 25https://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-killing-its-Windows-Phone-app-effective-August-25_id96563T-Mobile one of the most active Windows Phone supporters in the United States is giving up on Microsoft's mobile platform, which makes sense considering the Redmond-based company's latest moves in the smartphone space.

The Uncarrier has started to send messages to some of its customers to let them know the T-Mobile app for Windows Phone will no longer be supported beyond August 25, 2017.

What does this really mean for T-Mobile customers who own Windows Phone handsets? Well, after August 25, they will be forced to use the carrier's website to check their accounts instead of the mobile ...]]>NewsMon, 31 Jul 2017 14:10:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-killing-its-Windows-Phone-app-effective-August-25_id96563/commentsCosmin V.Deal: Get a Samsung Galaxy Book 10.6 for just $499https://www.phonearena.com/news/Deal-Get-a-Samsung-Galaxy-Book-10.6-for-just-499_id96526

Earlier this year, Samsung released its second Galaxy device that doesn't run Android (after the Galaxy TabPro S): the Galaxy Book, a 2-in-1 convertible tablet that's competing with the Microsoft Surface Pro and other similar hybrid products.

Now, as part of a Back to School promotion in the US, Samsung is taking $130 off the prices of select Galaxy Book models. Mind you, the deal does not include the 12-inch version of the Galaxy Book, so you can take advantage of it only if you want to buy the 10.6-inch (1920 x 1280 pixels), Wi-Fi-only model.

A Samsung ...]]>NewsSun, 30 Jul 2017 18:28:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Deal-Get-a-Samsung-Galaxy-Book-10.6-for-just-499_id96526/commentsFlorin T.WhatsApp update for Windows Phone hints at future business use for the apphttps://www.phonearena.com/news/WhatsApp-update-for-Windows-Phone-hints-at-future-business-use-for-the-app_id96515The other day, messaging app WhatsApp told us that it now has over one billion average daily users. And yes, believe it or not, some of them wield a Windows Phone. Today, it was discovered that WhatsApp has updated its beta app for Windows Phone to version 2.17.234. While this is not a major update and contains one small change, it does give us a hint about a future capability of the app.

With the update, Windows Phone users will not be allowed to use a check mark character in their profile name. Sounds like nothing, really. However, it actually does mean more than you might think. According ...]]>NewsSat, 29 Jul 2017 22:48:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/WhatsApp-update-for-Windows-Phone-hints-at-future-business-use-for-the-app_id96515/commentsAlan F.Microsoft still struggling to get the Alcatel Idol 4 Pro into the hands of customershttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-still-struggling-to-get-the-Alcatel-Idol-4-Pro-into-the-hands-of-customers_id96378

The Alcatel Idol 4 Pro is one of the newest Windows 10 smartphones to make its debut on the market. Initially launched in the United States under a different name, Alcatel's flagship has been confirmed to arrive in Europe in Q2, 2017.

Two weeks ago, the Alcatel Idol 4 Pro went on pre-order in some European markets sans the free VR headset that's included in the package in the United States.

As a new week rolls in, we've got for you yet another awesome collection of high-resolution backgrounds for your smartphone and tablet! If you've been following our various columns on customization, then you should know by now that we like giving our home screens a fresh coat of paint every now and again. And by "every now and again", I mean almost every week! This means doing a wallpaper rotation at the very least, and/or applying a custom set of icons in the case of Android users to really freshen things up.

However, finding awesome, high-quality backgrounds ...]]>NewsMon, 24 Jul 2017 04:41:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/40-Beautiful-high-resolution-wallpapers-perfect-for-your-Galaxy-S8-S7-Pixel-XL-LG-G6-LG-V20-HTC-U11-and-others_id96297/commentsMilen Y.HP Elite x3 coming to Verizon?https://www.phonearena.com/news/HP-Elite-x3-coming-to-Verizon_id96283The HP Elite x3 is the most capable of any Windows 10 Mobile handset. Currently, the device is offered only with support for GSM bands, but that appears likely to change. HP is working on obtaining new certifications for the Elite x3, this time with support listed specifically for Verizon. That would mean that the new version would have the ability to run over CDMA pipelines. Among the new applications HP sent out include one for the FCC, one for the Bluetooth SIG and another for the Wi-Fi Alliance.

In case you're not familiar with the phone, the HP Elite x3 features a 6-inch AMOLED display ...]]>NewsSat, 22 Jul 2017 19:12:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/HP-Elite-x3-coming-to-Verizon_id96283/commentsAlan F.Sorry Lumia 520 owners, Windows 10 on ARM is not coming to existing Windows Phone deviceshttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Sorry-Lumia-520-owners-Windows-10-on-ARM-is-not-coming-to-existing-Windows-Phone-devices_id96185Later this year, Microsoft is expected to roll out Windows 10 on ARM. The idea, according to Microsoft's Joe Belfiore, is to give consumers the full Windows 10 experience on mobile devices that are powered by chips using the ARM architecture. The new devices would use Snapdragon chipsets and offer outstanding battery life. Not only is Belfiore really talking about tablets and laptops, he adds that this technology will not be compatible with existing Windows phones.

Hey kids, have you ever dreamed of browsing the web on your Nintendo 64 while waiting for the cassette deck to finish recording your friend's hot new mixtape (that features 45 minutes of a 56k modem having a seizure with Windows 95 sounds playing in the background)? No? Well then... Have you ever dreamed of cruising around Miami in your DeLorean, slowed-down 80's elevator music blaring in the background, as you speed along a seemingly endless row of palm tree silhouettes smeared against neon-lit skies?

If the answer to at least zero of these questions is “YES”, ...]]>NewsTue, 18 Jul 2017 05:44:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Aesthetic-wallpapers-in-high-resolutions-perfect-for-your-Galaxy-S8-Pixel-XL-iPhone-7-LG-G6-LG-V20-HTC-U11-and-others_id96125/commentsMilen Y.Alexa tripled its user base from May 2016 to May 2017 while Siri lost 15% of its usershttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Alexa-tripled-its-user-base-from-May-2016-to-May-2017-while-Siri-lost-15-of-its-users_id96082What a year it has been for some of the AI personal assistants. Amazon's Alexa went from obscurity to the big time. Starting tomorrow, HTC U11 users in the U.S., U.K. and Germany will be able to use the EdgeSense app in the Google Play Store to set up Alexa on the U11. EdgeSense will allow you to have Amazon's AI assistant load up with a quick squeeze of the phone. Alexa can also be found on the Huawei Mate 9.

Verto Analytics tracked 20,000 AI assistants in the U.S. from May 2016 to May 2017. During that period, the number of monthly Siri users actually declined 7.3 million on a monthly ...]]>NewsSun, 16 Jul 2017 23:44:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Alexa-tripled-its-user-base-from-May-2016-to-May-2017-while-Siri-lost-15-of-its-users_id96082/commentsAlan F.5 phone makers that said they'll love you forever, but ran off with the child supporthttps://www.phonearena.com/news/5-phone-makers-that-said-theyll-love-you-forever-but-ran-off-with-the-child-support_id96041Making smartphones is a tough and often unprofitable business for anyone but the top three - Apple, Samsung and Huawei. After they saw Apple's exorbitant profits from the iPhone, many a company have tried and failed to reinvent the cell phone wheel, entering the market with the enthusiasm of a startup, then burning through a pile of cash while trying to challenge the status quo, and in the end throwing in the towel.

Just in the past few weeks, we've had a few of those declaring they are no longer able to fight the good fight, and are folding the lawn chairs. What happens ...]]>NewsFri, 14 Jul 2017 07:20:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/5-phone-makers-that-said-theyll-love-you-forever-but-ran-off-with-the-child-support_id96041/commentsDaniel P.The new Surface Pro has a hibernation bug, Microsoft is working to fix ithttps://www.phonearena.com/news/The-new-Surface-Pro-has-a-hibernation-bug-Microsoft-is-working-to-fix-it_id96011

Last month, Microsoft started selling a brand new Surface Pro, which succeeds the Surface Pro 4 from 2015, and brings a series of enhancements (though nothing groundbreaking).

Some of the customers who purchased a new Surface Pro have been noticing that the convertible tablet has a bug that's making it randomly enter hibernation mode, or shut down (even when plugged in, or with plenty of battery life remaining).

Fortunately, Microsoft says it may have identified this issue, so it's now working to solve it. A fix will be included in a future software update, ...]]>NewsThu, 13 Jul 2017 10:48:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/The-new-Surface-Pro-has-a-hibernation-bug-Microsoft-is-working-to-fix-it_id96011/commentsFlorin T.Alcatel Idol 4 Pro with Windows 10 goes on pre-order in Europe via Microsofthttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Alcatel-Idol-4-Pro-with-Windows-10-goes-on-pre-order-in-Europe-via-Microsoft_id96015

Europe was one of the most prolific markets for Windows Phone handsets, while the United States was one of the weakest. Still, for some reason, Alcatel thought that releasing a Windows Phone flagship exclusively in the US would be good for business.

The Alcatel Idol 4 Pro, which is, in fact, a rebranded Alcatel Idol 4s that made its debut in the US last year, is finally going to hit the shelves in Europe. The high-end smartphone runs Windows 10 right out of the box but packs an obsolete chipset inside.

The smartphone will be available for purchase on July ...]]>NewsThu, 13 Jul 2017 09:24:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Alcatel-Idol-4-Pro-with-Windows-10-goes-on-pre-order-in-Europe-via-Microsoft_id96015/commentsCosmin V.Windows Phone 8.1 is getting dropped by Microsoft tomorrowhttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Windows-Phone-8.1-is-getting-dropped-by-Microsoft-tomorrow_id95854

There aren't that many Windows-powered handsets anymore, and they continue to drop in numbers. And starting tomorrow, mainstream support for the most popular version of Windows on mobile is ending.

That's right, in case you've missed it, Microsoft is ending mainstream support for Windows Phone 8.1 tomorrow, July 11th. Microsoft has done its best to make users upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile through its Upgrade Advisor app, but more than 70% of Windows Phone users are still on Windows 8.1.

After another short hiatus, we're back with yet another collection of beautiful, high-resolution wallpapers for your smartphone and tablet! All of the images that made our list have been hand-picked to ensure that they are both good-looking, as well as large and detailed enough to look sharp on even the most pixel-dense displays out there!

If you're not really into theming, icon packs, custom launchers and all that, sometimes a simple wallpaper switch will help breathe some fresh air into your smartphone. It's pretty much universally simple to get the deed done, ...]]>NewsMon, 10 Jul 2017 06:24:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/40-Beautiful-high-resolution-wallpapers-perfect-for-your-Galaxy-S8-S7-Pixel-XL-LG-G6-LG-V20-HTC-U11-and-others_id95828/commentsMilen Y.New premium Windows 10 Mobile device coming from Microsoft?https://www.phonearena.com/news/New-premium-Windows-10-Mobile-device-coming-from-Microsoft_id95810It has been a while since Microsoft unveiled a new Windows 10 Mobile handset. Brad Sams, executive editor of Thurrott.com, says that a Windows 10 prototype mobile device is being examined inside corporate headquarters. At this stage, there are no specs to discuss and even Sams isn't 100% sure if we are talking about a phone or a tablet. The smart money is betting that this is a phone since Microsoft does need to fill gaps in its smartphone lineup.

We know what you're thinking. You are probably trying to convince yourself that this will be the long awaited Surface Phone. Let's see what ...]]>NewsSat, 08 Jul 2017 21:02:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/New-premium-Windows-10-Mobile-device-coming-from-Microsoft_id95810/commentsAlan F.It's Adventure Time for Minecraft Pocket Edition players!https://www.phonearena.com/news/Its-Adventure-Time-for-Minecraft-Pocket-Edition-players_id95758

Minecraft players rejoice! Mojang has just announced that the highly-anticipated Adventure Time mash-up pack for Minecraft Pocket Edition is available for download earlier than expected.

Although it was initially meant to make its debut on PC and consoles first, and then to mobile devices at a later date, the developers were able to release Adventure Time at the same time on all compatible platforms.

Adventure Time is more than just a skin pack though, as players will notice that the entire land of Ooo will be taking over their Minecraft world. Lots of iconic ...]]>NewsThu, 06 Jul 2017 15:53:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Its-Adventure-Time-for-Minecraft-Pocket-Edition-players_id95758/commentsCosmin V.Partnership rekindled: Future Nokia smartphones will feature Zeiss optics thanks to a long-term collabhttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Partnership-rekindled-Future-Nokia-smartphones-will-feature-Zeiss-optics-thanks-to-a-long-term-collab_id95731Renowned optical systems manufacturer Zeiss just stroke a deal with HMD Global that will lead to a hopefully-fruitful collaboration between the two companies and will endow future Nokia smartphones with Zeiss cameras, imaging technology, and decades' worth of photography know-how.

The new long-term agreement is sort of rekindling the collaboration between Zeiss and Nokia from more than a decade ago, which was the culprit for the camera prowess of the N-series of smartphones, the PureView lineup of Windows-running handsets, most notably the Nokia Lumia 1020.

There's no ...]]>NewsThu, 06 Jul 2017 03:55:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Partnership-rekindled-Future-Nokia-smartphones-will-feature-Zeiss-optics-thanks-to-a-long-term-collab_id95731/commentsPeter K.Viewers of Candy Crush live TV game show will have a chance to play along to win prizeshttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Viewers-of-Candy-Crush-live-TV-game-show-will-have-a-chance-to-play-along-to-win-prizes_id95715

Last week, we brought you up to date with the latest information about the Candy Crush live-action television game show. The popular app has made the jump to television and sports the largest touchscreen displays ever made. Today, game developer King announced that it will launch a series of live in-game events that will allow home viewers to face the same challenges as the contestants playing the game on television are.

Each week, four teams (each comprised of two players) compete on the gigantic touchscreen boards using their entire body to swing, swipe and slide in an effort to ...]]>NewsWed, 05 Jul 2017 15:18:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Viewers-of-Candy-Crush-live-TV-game-show-will-have-a-chance-to-play-along-to-win-prizes_id95715/commentsAlan F.Pictures of Microsoft's canceled Nokia Mercury tablet emergehttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Pictures-of-Microsofts-canceled-Nokia-Mercury-tablet-emerge_id95685

Microsoft canceled more than one device while its mobile division was active. We've already talked about the Lumia 960 flagship smartphone and the Surface Mini tablet. However, we haven't yet reported anything about Nokia Mercury, a slate that should have been released in 2014-2015 with Windows RT on board.

Some press pictures of the Nokia Mercury surfaced a long time ago, but now we get to take a look at the real thing. A few live pictures of the canceled tablet has just been published by Italian publication WindowsBlogItalia.

The slate was powered by an ...]]>NewsTue, 04 Jul 2017 15:06:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Pictures-of-Microsofts-canceled-Nokia-Mercury-tablet-emerge_id95685/commentsCosmin V.Best smartphones you can buy right now: July 2017https://www.phonearena.com/news/Best-smartphones-you-can-buy-right-now-July-2017_id64576

With so many different (yet similar) smartphones from so many brands from across the globe, one may start feeling a bit lost. Which one of those many is the best phone you can buy right now, in summer 2017?

There is no one-size-fits-all deviceThe spring months are a great time to get a new phone, especially if it's an Android phone: after all, we have just seen the biggest Android phone makers unveil their best new handsets. The new Samsung Galaxy S8 series and LG G6 are already available, and they are among our top choices.

Back in the good old days of 2014 (oh, how time flies!) Microsoft was setting up for a launch of not just one, but two tablets running its Windows RT operating system — the Surface Pro 3 and the Surface Mini. But for one reason or another, the latter of the two got scrapped at the very last moment, as CEO Satya Nadella had little confidence in its success in the crowded small tablet market.

But while we've heard official confirmation of the device's existence, we've never actually seen a prototype in action — until now, that is. Pictures obtained by ...]]>NewsFri, 30 Jun 2017 09:27:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Pictures-of-Microsofts-cancelled-Surface-Mini-tablet-surface-online_id95562/commentsKaloyan C.Huawei MateBook E 2-in-1 Windows tablet launches in the US starting at $799.99https://www.phonearena.com/news/Huawei-MateBook-E-2-in-1-Windows-tablet-launches-in-the-US-starting-at-799.99_id95523

Huawei just announced that the MateBook E, its convertible tablet unveiled back in May, will be available to pre-order in the US starting tomorrow, June 30.

Interested customers will find the Huawei MateBook E on Amazon and Newegg at the following prices: $799.99 (Titanium Gray version with 7th Generation Intel Core m3 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage space), and $999.99 (Champagne Gold version with 7th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage space).

Samsung new Galaxy S8 smartphones are selling like hot cakes all over the world. Although it's hard to tell how many iPhone users have made the switch to Samsung's new flagships, the South Korean company wants to make sure the percentage is high.

Smart Switch, Samsung's software that allows customers to seamlessly switch from another smartphone to a Galaxy device, has just received a new home. No new features or improvements have been added to the software, but Smart Switch now has a redesigned website that's meant to appeal more to Apple fans.

Evernote, the complex organizer application for mobile devices, will be pulled from two of the platforms that have dropped under 1% market share worldwide.

The developers explain in a blog post that it wants to focus 100% on platforms that have much more users instead of spending resources on dying mobile ecosystems like BlackBerry and Windows Phone.

As a company, we’re also trying to get better at staying focused. This means spending more of our time and resources on developing our core note-taking products, Evernote Web, Evernote for Android; Windows; Mac; ...]]>NewsMon, 26 Jun 2017 14:43:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Evernote-discontinues-support-for-its-BlackBerry-and-Windows-Phone-apps_id95363/commentsCosmin V.Here is another look at Microsoft's unreleased Lumia 960 flagshiphttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Here-is-another-look-at-Microsofts-unreleased-Lumia-960-flagship_id95342

Microsoft has always flirted with the idea of having its own mobile ecosystem and the hardware to run it. The first handheld devices were running a customized version of Windows, but Microsoft wanted more, hence the deal with Nokia.

Unfortunately, Microsoft's smartphone business (and plans) is a bit of a limbo right now. If we are to believe the latest reports, the Redmond-based company hasn't yet given up on Windows Phone, but it's neither launching any new smartphones anytime soon.

That being said, let's take a look at what Microsoft has given its customers ...]]>NewsMon, 26 Jun 2017 14:28:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Here-is-another-look-at-Microsofts-unreleased-Lumia-960-flagship_id95342/commentsCosmin V.Apple’s iPad Pro copied the Surface Pro, Microsoft’s exec sayshttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Apples-iPad-Pro-copied-the-Surface-Pro-Microsofts-exec-says_id95118

The last couple of weeks saw the launches of high-performance tablet devices from two of the world’s biggest tech producers, Microsoft and Apple. The new Surface Pro and iPad Pro models set out to be gadgets capable of replacing your laptop and are aimed at the market of creative ‘on-the-goers’, who are willing to shed a buck.

Even though the devices are quite different, in terms of hardware and software, obviously incorporating proprietary tech of each manufacturer, both set out to fulfill similar needs and whims. In this regard, General Manager for the Surface family, Ryan Gavin, ...]]>NewsMon, 19 Jun 2017 05:02:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Apples-iPad-Pro-copied-the-Surface-Pro-Microsofts-exec-says_id95118/commentsSimon K.Windows 10 Mobile preview 15223 sent out to fast ring subscribershttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Windows-10-Mobile-preview-15223-sent-out-to-fast-ring-subscribers_id94990Those Windows 10 Mobile users subscribed to the fast ring are now getting access to preview build 15223. Fast ring members get first crack at a new Windows 10 Mobile build, but because this software is not thoroughly tested, there are often some kinks and bugs. That is the price that must be paid for being first to install the latest version of Windows 10 Mobile. Those opting for the slow ring get a more refined and tested build, but they have to wait for the software to be ready for prime time before installing it.

Get your shabby wooden pickaxes ready, as game developer Mojang announced at Microsoft's keynote at the E3 gaming expo in Los Angeles that the most precious item in its portfolio—Minecraft—will be getting proper cross-platform multiplayer. This will be courtesy of a so-called 'Better Together' update that's launching later this summer.

No matter the platform gamers play on, be it Windows 10, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, virtual reality devices, as well as iOS and Android, they will be able to join each other players' games. At the moment, there are ways for ...]]>NewsMon, 12 Jun 2017 04:18:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Proper-cross-platform-multiplayer-hitting-Minecraft-later-this-summer_id94915/commentsPeter K.Beautiful nature and landscape wallpapers in ultra high-res, perfect for your Galaxy S8/S8 Plus, Pixel XL, LG G6, HTC U11 and othershttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Beautiful-nature-and-landscape-wallpapers-in-ultra-high-res-perfect-for-your-Galaxy-S8S8-Plus-Pixel-XL-LG-G6-HTC-U11-and-others_id94911

After a short hiatus, we're back with yet another collection of beautiful, high-resolution wallpapers for your smartphones and tablets! All of the images that made our list have been hand-picked to ensure that they are both good-looking, as well as large and detailed enough to look sharp on even the most pixel-dense displays out there!

If you're not really into theming, icon packs, custom launchers and all that, sometimes a simple wallpaper switch will help breathe some fresh air into your smartphone. It's pretty much universally simple to get the deed done, and ...]]>NewsMon, 12 Jun 2017 03:53:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Beautiful-nature-and-landscape-wallpapers-in-ultra-high-res-perfect-for-your-Galaxy-S8S8-Plus-Pixel-XL-LG-G6-HTC-U11-and-others_id94911/commentsMilen Y.Latest patent images reveal what a Microsoft foldable tablet could look likehttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Latest-patent-images-reveal-what-a-Microsoft-foldable-tablet-could-look-like_id94909

The latest images related to patents filed by Microsoft for a foldable tablet reveal that the device will be closer to the size of a smartphone than a slate. As you can see from the schematics that accompany this story, a complex series of hinges allows the tablet to offer three configurations; at 0 degrees, the tablet is closed. At 180 degrees, the device is flat open, and at 360 degrees, it is fully open.

When in the 180-degree configuration, the inside screens show a single user interface. In the other configurations, each screen will display its own interface. When opened in ...]]>NewsSun, 11 Jun 2017 19:37:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Latest-patent-images-reveal-what-a-Microsoft-foldable-tablet-could-look-like_id94909/commentsAlan F.Huawei discounts its Watch, MateBook and Fit for a Dads & Grads promotionhttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Huawei-discounts-its-Watch-MateBook-and-Fit-for-a-Dads---Grads-promotion_id94783Starting
today, Huawei is joining the barrage of companies to introduce Dads &
Grads discounts. So, in case you're looking for tech gift ideas for
Father's day or someone's graduation, Huawei has you covered.
Don't
expect to get a bargain on the Huawei P10 or P10 Plus, though, as the
discounted products are all among the less-famous Huawei gadgets,
such as the original Huawei Watch and the MateBook. For the full
details on each discounted item, make sure to check the table below.ProductOfferPeriodWhere to buyHuawei WatchUp to $100 offJune 11 - June 17Amazon, BestBuy.com, bhphotovideo.com, ...]]>NewsTue, 06 Jun 2017 07:00:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Huawei-discounts-its-Watch-MateBook-and-Fit-for-a-Dads---Grads-promotion_id94783/commentsDamian M.The Microsoft Surface Mobile will include a built-in projector, Surface Pen, and Win32 app support, leak showshttps://www.phonearena.com/news/The-Microsoft-Surface-Mobile-will-include-a-built-in-projector-Surface-Pen-and-Win32-app-support-leak-shows_id94787

It's been a while since we've heard rumors of the mythical creature known as the Surface Phone, but if the rumor mill is to be trusted, a number of huge details about it (like, for example, that it hasn't been shelved like most of us suspected) may have just been revealed by Microsoft itself.

As far as obscurity goes, the source of the information probably ranks pretty high on your average Westerner's list – a video description on Microsoft's official account on Bilibili, a Chinese, anime-themed YouTube-like video sharing service. The text reveals ...]]>NewsTue, 06 Jun 2017 06:38:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/The-Microsoft-Surface-Mobile-will-include-a-built-in-projector-Surface-Pen-and-Win32-app-support-leak-shows_id94787/commentsKaloyan C.Microsoft to discontinue Skype apps on Windows Phone after July 1https://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-to-discontinue-Skype-apps-on-Windows-Phone-after-July-1_id94780

Windows Phone is dead in its current form, but that doesn't mean that Microsoft won't try to resurrect the obsolete OS in the not so distant future. Until then, the Redmond-based company is closing all services that might eat up resources that would be better spent for different purposes.

After discontinuing the Skype WiFi apps at the end of March, Microsoft announced that the Skype apps would no longer work on Windows Phone effective July 1.

So, if you've previously used Skype on Windows Phone 8, Windows Phone 8.1, or the Messaging app for Windows 10 Mobile, ...]]>NewsTue, 06 Jun 2017 01:49:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-to-discontinue-Skype-apps-on-Windows-Phone-after-July-1_id94780/commentsCosmin V.IDC sees smartphone shipments growing this year after a slump in 2016https://www.phonearena.com/news/IDC-sees-smartphone-shipments-growing-this-year-after-a-slump-in-2016_id94657Last year was the worst ever for global smartphone shipments as handset deliveries rose only 2.5% for 2016. According to analytical firm IDC, business will start returning to growth mode as the number of shipments should rise by 3% this year. That amounts to 1.52 billion units forecast by IDC to be delivered this year. And for 2018, the increase in shipments will reach 4.5%. IDC says that improved economic conditions in emerging markets will partially be responsible for a 50% hike in growth. Another reason will be the extreme popularity of the tenth anniversary Apple iPhone that ...]]>NewsWed, 31 May 2017 19:41:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/IDC-sees-smartphone-shipments-growing-this-year-after-a-slump-in-2016_id94657/commentsAlan F.Canceled Microsoft Lumia 960 flagship smartphone makes appearancehttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Canceled-Microsoft-Lumia-960-flagship-smartphone-makes-appearance_id94644

It's only been a day since news about Microsoft working on a new smartphone running a different branch of Windows Mobile made headlines, and now it looks like another device that should have been powered by the defunct Windows Phone OS appeared online.

We're talking about the never-revealed Lumia 960, also known as Lumia “Northstar.” Photos of the devices have been leaked online directly from China. Apparently, this is a prototype unit that's still being used by Microsoft for developing Windows 10 Mobile.

Wallpapers, wallpapers, wallpapers. WALLPAPERS! They are the easiest way to breathe some fresh air into your home screen and you'd better amass big enough a collection if you want to change up things at least once a week. Or twice. Or, you know, daily? Whatever your preferred interval of changing backgrounds, we got you covered with our diverse and finely curated collections of beautiful, ultra high-res images that will provide you with the perfect wallpapers for every occasion, mood and situation.

This week's theme? Urban life. Everything from black and white, ...]]>NewsWed, 31 May 2017 04:29:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Beautiful-ultra-high-res-wallpapers-perfect-for-your-Galaxy-S8-and-S7-Pixel-XL-LG-G6-LG-V20-HTC-U-Ultra-and-others_id94628/commentsMilen Y.Microsoft working on a new smartphone running a different version of Windows Mobilehttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-working-on-a-new-smartphone-running-a-different-version-of-Windows-Mobile_id94616

The saying "it's not over until the fat lady sings" might perfectly apply to Microsoft's Windows Phone plans. Even though many believe the company is done with everything related to smartphones, it looks like things might not be as bleak.

Sales of Windows Phone handsets stopped almost completely, and the market share nosedived under 1% worldwide over the last couple few years. Microsoft did not seem interested in continuing with its smartphone business having sold its mobile division.

Well, it appears that the Redmond-based company still flirts ...]]>NewsTue, 30 May 2017 15:16:00 -0500https://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-working-on-a-new-smartphone-running-a-different-version-of-Windows-Mobile_id94616/commentsCosmin V.Unreleased Nokia Windows Phone 8 handset leaks with physical QWERTY in towhttps://www.phonearena.com/news/Unreleased-Nokia-Windows-Phone-8-handset-leaks-with-physical-QWERTY-in-tow_id94517Amid the excitement generated by the physical QWERTY keyboard on the BlackBerry KEYone, a leak has revealed that back in 2012, Nokia had a Windows Phone powered handset prepped for the business market. Featuring a front-facing physical QWERTY keyboard, the handset ran an early version of Windows Phone 8 but was never released. The unit was known as the Nokia RX-100, and photographs of the phone have been discovered on a website in China. The device does show a resemblance to the 2011 Nokia E6, which also was equipped with a physical QWERTY keyboard, but was powered by Symbian.